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Eat more lamb, the cows will thank you. Lamb loin chops with cognac butter sauce are the filet mignon of lamb. Really. The loin chop looks like miniature T-bone steak, containing a portion of the loin and tenderloin. The loin chop is the leanest and most tender cut of lamb, ideal for cooking quickly at high temperatures (in a cast iron skillet or grill) for a caramelized outside and pink inside. It’s the best way to cook lamb chops.
This may sound weird (or normal), but I’m often not impressed with what I cook (Patty would probably argue with me on this one). Sure, I think what I make tastes good but I think it’s difficult to really appreciate your own cooking. I’m my own worst critic and a bit of a perfectionist.
Lamb loin chops with cognac butter was one of those particular recipes that really stood out and got the wow factor, even from me. And I’m not saying this to brag, I owe it all to Lamb Chop, the sock puppet this recipe. The flavor and tenderness compared to a nice tenderloin steak.
How to Cook Lamb Loin Chops
I cook my lamb chops just like I cook a steak. Pan-fried medium-rare using a cast-iron skillet with cognac butter sauce. It’s a delicious, melt in your mouth method to preparing lamb. I think I’d take it over a grilled NY strip steak. It’s much more flavorful and tender.
As I said, lamb chops are like miniature t-bone steaks, so they sear in about 4 minutes per side on high heat for medium-rare. Add an additional minute per side for medium, 2 minutes for medium+. Once the lamb is nearly done, I add the cognac butter and sear for an additional minute so the lamb can soak up the butter cognac and juices.
Can I Grill Lamb Chops?
You can, of course, grill lamb chops, but you just don’t have the advantage of cooking within the cognac butter, which totally makes this recipe worth it.
Be sure to let the lamb rest for 5 minutes before serving so the juices can redistribute throughout!
Cast Iron Lamb Loin Chops with Herbs and Cognac Butter Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 2-4 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American
Description
Lamb loin chops seasoned with fresh rosemary and oregano and seared in a cognac butter sauce in a cast iron skillet.
Ingredients
- 4 lamb loin chops
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh oregano, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2–3 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup cognac or brandy
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove loin chops from the fridge 20-30 minutes before cooking. Season liberally with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil on high until hot. Place the loin chops in the skillet and cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes. It’s important not to touch or adjust the lamb so the sides can sear up in the skillet. Flip and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.
- Add the butter, cognac, garlic, and fresh herbs to the skillet and swirl/stir until fully melted. Simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes, occasionally turning the loin chops in order to soak up cognac butter sauce. For medium rare, the lamb is done. Sear for an additional minute for each level of doneness; about 3-4 minutes for medium/medium well.
- Remove from heat, place on plate and drizzle with Cognac butter sauce. Garnish with butter and fresh herbs if desired and serve.
Notes
Depending on size, this recipe will serve 2-4 people.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 356
- Sugar: 0.1g
- Sodium: 129mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9.5g
- Carbohydrates: 1.4g
- Fiber: 0.6g
- Protein: 14.6g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Lamb loin chops, lamb chops recipe, how to cook lamb
Had a package of lamb loin steaks from Costco … found this recipe … heaven! I used the cast iron pan over the gas grill outside (no mess on the kitchen stove!). So simple and elegant. The flavor on this is exceptional! Next time I might even add a touch of fresh mint and lemon zest to add to the Mediterranean vibe. I love that you add a scalability factor. Thanks for the yum!
★★★★★
I made this twice in the past week for two groups of guests. It’s super quick and easy and soooooooo delicious. I did not have cognac and so substituted grand marnier. On the second occasion I left out the butter…just as yummy.
★★★★★
Bought lamb chops at Costco yesterday and searched for recipes online. Yours leaped out at me. I don’t normally cook much, aside from the barbecue, and made quite a mess of the stove. My wife was a good sport about it, especially after the entire family enjoyed the lamb and some steaks. It was the best lamb I’ve ever had and it’s quite amazing that I made it.
I have been making this twice a week for the last few months and it is a great keto recipe for my wife! I get the lamb chops from Costco and cook 4 or 5 at a time (they come in packs of 9 or 10). I use brandy (just a little more than 1/4 cup) and these turn out great every time. I made the mistake of using dried herbs the first time but not anymore, fresh herbs make a huge difference. Thanks so much for this wonderful recipe!
★★★★★
This was delicious
★★★★★
Does this smoke a lot? I’m working in a tiny kitchen with no vent and am concerned about filling our 340 sq. ft. apartment with smoke.
This one isn’t too bad. Maybe open a window beforehand. Once you add the congac butter it tends to control any smoke.
Thanks!
This was my first time preparing lamb loin chops and they were AMAZING! Great recipe! Wouldn’t change a thing! Thanks for sharing!
★★★★★
Can I use a grill pan instead of a cast iron skillet?
Go for it! Just may be a little trickier to coat the chops in the cognac butter because of the grates.
Holy holiday in making this tonight !!;-) already got the chops ! Thank you sir 🙂
This was fantastic. I removed the chops to deglaze the skillet with the butter and cognac and added the garlic (pressed because I’m lazy), and then returned the chops. I had a perfectly paired red wine. I was really proud of this dish. Thank you for sharing!
★★★★★
Always better with a good red